Dr. Harmon received major distinctions recognizing her leadership, service and impact in higher education and across Delaware.
Named to Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame
Dr. Harmon was inducted into the 2026 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame, one of the state’s highest honors for women whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Delaware.
Gov. Matt Meyer announced the four inductees on July 31. Dr. Harmon was inducted alongside Mary C. Dennison, a pioneering educator and civic leader who was honored posthumously; Judith Drexler, who transformed services for vulnerable children as the first director of Delaware’s Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; and Terri Kelly, former president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, who led one of Delaware’s most innovative global companies.
The induction is presented annually by the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee.
“These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields — they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today,” Gov. Meyer said in a statement. “Their leadership reminds us that progress is built by people willing to serve, innovate and create opportunities for those who follow. It is an honor to recognize their remarkable contributions and welcome them into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.”
The committee selected Dr. Harmon in recognition of the historic milestones and institutional achievements highlighted in her nomination. She became the first African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university.
Under her leadership, Wilmington University launched the Farnan School of Law, established the College of Sciences and Engineering, expanded initiatives supporting the nursing and healthcare workforce pipeline, and increased its presence in Brandywine Hundred through the purchase of additional buildings and the completion of a law school building and Convocation Center.
Dr. Harmon also created the University’s Leadership Institute, established the Student Accessibility Services Office and led the transition of WilmU Athletics from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Compassion remained central to her approach to leadership. She authored “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” which places compassion at the center of effective leadership. Proceeds from the book support the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, named in memory of her sister.
Selected as Delaware Business Times’ Inaugural Person of the Year
Dr. Harmon also was selected as the Delaware Business Times’ inaugural Person of the Year, an honor introduced in the publication’s Delaware 222 supplement.
“The Delaware Business Times created the Person of the Year to feature and spotlight one person who has done the most to influence Delaware’s economy in a particular year,” says Katie Tabeling, editor of the Delaware Business Times. “In a state with 222 impactful leaders, we decided to highlight one of them who stood head and shoulders above the rest.”
Delaware 222 recognized 222 of the state’s most influential business, nonprofit and civic leaders. Dr. Harmon’s selection from among that group underscored the significance of her work and Wilmington University’s economic impact on The First State. The publication considered leaders who delivered strong results, introduced game-changing products or services, led successful transformations, or expanded their organizations’ reach and impact on Delaware’s economy.
Under Dr. Harmon’s leadership, Wilmington University expanded educational access for students of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom live and work in Delaware. Through new and enhanced programs, WilmU prepares educators, healthcare professionals, public safety officials, information technology specialists and business and community leaders whose work strengthens the state’s workforce and quality of life.
“In our first year naming a Person of the Year, our team selected Dr. Harmon not only because she is blazing a trail with innovative programs — such as the state’s first nurse anesthesiology program and a new, high-demand law school — but also because, behind the scenes and throughout her career at WilmU, she has helped shape the University’s mission of creating affordable education and upskilling options for Delawareans of all ages,” Tabeling adds. “As an example of the promise WilmU offers, Dr. Harmon worked her way up from being assistant to the president to president herself, reflecting the same commitment to accessibility and advancement that defines the University’s mission.”
Dr. Harmon’s recognition was announced at the inaugural Delaware 222 reception at the Delaware Art Museum, where she thanked the Delaware Business Times and Today Media teams and acknowledged the leaders named to the Delaware 222 list.
Together, the honors recognized Dr. Harmon’s leadership and Wilmington University’s significant economic impact across Delaware. By expanding access to education, developing programs aligned with workforce needs and preparing graduates for high-demand careers, the University helps strengthen the state’s talent pipeline and provide skilled professionals to Delaware’s schools, hospitals, courts, businesses and public agencies.
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Dr. Harmon received major distinctions recognizing her leadership, service and impact in higher education and across Delaware.
Named to Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame
Dr. Harmon was inducted into the 2026 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame, one of the state’s highest honors for women whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Delaware.
Gov. Matt Meyer announced the four inductees on July 31. Dr. Harmon was inducted alongside Mary C. Dennison, a pioneering educator and civic leader who was honored posthumously; Judith Drexler, who transformed services for vulnerable children as the first director of Delaware’s Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; and Terri Kelly, former president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, who led one of Delaware’s most innovative global companies.
The induction is presented annually by the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee.
“These four extraordinary women didn’t just achieve success in their own fields — they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today,” Gov. Meyer said in a statement. “Their leadership reminds us that progress is built by people willing to serve, innovate and create opportunities for those who follow. It is an honor to recognize their remarkable contributions and welcome them into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.”
The committee selected Dr. Harmon in recognition of the historic milestones and institutional achievements highlighted in her nomination. She became the first African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university.
Under her leadership, Wilmington University launched the Farnan School of Law, established the College of Sciences and Engineering, expanded initiatives supporting the nursing and healthcare workforce pipeline, and increased its presence in Brandywine Hundred through the purchase of additional buildings and the completion of a law school building and Convocation Center.
Dr. Harmon also created the University’s Leadership Institute, established the Student Accessibility Services Office and led the transition of WilmU Athletics from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Compassion remained central to her approach to leadership. She authored “The Heart of Leadership: A Personal Reflection,” which places compassion at the center of effective leadership. Proceeds from the book support the Wilmington University Linda Thomas Scholarship, named in memory of her sister.
Selected as Delaware Business Times’ Inaugural Person of the Year
Dr. Harmon also was selected as the Delaware Business Times’ inaugural Person of the Year, an honor introduced in the publication’s Delaware 222 supplement.
“The Delaware Business Times created the Person of the Year to feature and spotlight one person who has done the most to influence Delaware’s economy in a particular year,” says Katie Tabeling, editor of the Delaware Business Times. “In a state with 222 impactful leaders, we decided to highlight one of them who stood head and shoulders above the rest.”
Delaware 222 recognized 222 of the state’s most influential business, nonprofit and civic leaders. Dr. Harmon’s selection from among that group underscored the significance of her work and Wilmington University’s economic impact on The First State. The publication considered leaders who delivered strong results, introduced game-changing products or services, led successful transformations, or expanded their organizations’ reach and impact on Delaware’s economy.
Under Dr. Harmon’s leadership, Wilmington University expanded educational access for students of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom live and work in Delaware. Through new and enhanced programs, WilmU prepares educators, healthcare professionals, public safety officials, information technology specialists and business and community leaders whose work strengthens the state’s workforce and quality of life.
“In our first year naming a Person of the Year, our team selected Dr. Harmon not only because she is blazing a trail with innovative programs — such as the state’s first nurse anesthesiology program and a new, high-demand law school — but also because, behind the scenes and throughout her career at WilmU, she has helped shape the University’s mission of creating affordable education and upskilling options for Delawareans of all ages,” Tabeling adds. “As an example of the promise WilmU offers, Dr. Harmon worked her way up from being assistant to the president to president herself, reflecting the same commitment to accessibility and advancement that defines the University’s mission.”
Dr. Harmon’s recognition was announced at the inaugural Delaware 222 reception at the Delaware Art Museum, where she thanked the Delaware Business Times and Today Media teams and acknowledged the leaders named to the Delaware 222 list.
Together, the honors recognized Dr. Harmon’s leadership and Wilmington University’s significant economic impact across Delaware. By expanding access to education, developing programs aligned with workforce needs and preparing graduates for high-demand careers, the University helps strengthen the state’s talent pipeline and provide skilled professionals to Delaware’s schools, hospitals, courts, businesses and public agencies.
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
